Overview
- Patel was attacked with a sharp weapon shortly after afternoon prayers at the Jama Masjid in Mohala village of Akot taluka on Tuesday.
- He suffered neck and chest wounds, was first treated locally, then moved via a green corridor to Akola, and died Wednesday morning after a minor heart attack during treatment.
- Akola police identified the accused on CCTV and arrested him in Panaj village the same evening after he fled into nearby forested areas.
- During initial questioning, the accused alleged a long-running animosity and blamed Patel for a relative’s 2019 killing, a claim police say they are verifying.
- Officers have collected forensic evidence and will present the suspect in court as they assess any possible link to local body polls, noting Patel was not directly involved in the civic elections.